(4) K-3 History Opens Windows series. Focusing on the details of everyday life (food, family, buildings, children), this updated series serves as an adequate introduction to past cultures for younger readers. The bright design and engaging illustrations, which include artifacts, period artwork, and photographs, may be enough to hold readers' attention despite the rather sterile texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these History Opens Windows titles: Ancient West African Kingdoms, The Aztecs, The Incas, The Indus Valley, The Maya, The Sumerians, and The Vikings.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) K-3 Historical Biographies series. Although the information is at times confusingly presented, these brief, formulaic biographies of important rulers of ancient Greece, Egypt, Mali, and China provide good starting-off points for report writers. The books are liberally illustrated with maps and well-reproduced color images of art and artifacts of the subjects' eras. Reading list, pronunciation guide, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical Biographies titles: Alexander the Great, Hatshepsut, Mansa Musa, and Qin Shi Huangdi.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon. Fourteenth-century Malinke ruler Mansa Musa demonstrated his kingdom's wealth by leading a pilgrimage to Mecca. Burns invents a story of Musa's childhood that is part coming-of-age tale, part cautionary tale, and part fairy tale. The story is beautifully supported by the Dillons' jewel-like illustrations and stylized text ornaments on parchment-colored pages. The exotic setting and common fairy-tale motif will intrigue the right reader. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2001

(4) 4-6 First Book: African Civilizations series. Six early African empires are chronicled in these well-written volumes. Starting with a map of the region, the books explore ancient politics, arts, and religion on a continent usually neglected in Western history books. Although some of the color photos are appropriate and informative, too many are poorly reproduced or taken from unrelated countries. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam